Automated Mobile Matrix Bins for Adaptive Object Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current object distribution systems rely heavily on human labor, are inefficient in handling varying object sizes and weights, and require a large number of collection bins, leading to high operational and capital costs, as well as inflexibility in processing diverse objects.

Innovation Solution

A programmable motion device system that includes a perception unit for identifying objects, an acquisition system using an end effector to select objects, and a delivery system with a carrier to move identified processing bins towards the objects, optimizing the delivery of objects to specific bins based on identifying indicia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If human workers manually sort objects to collection bins, then flexibility in handling varying object sizes and weights is maintained, but labor costs and operational inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling varying object sizes and weightsVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables objects to be automatically identified and routed to appropriate bins through machine vision and automated conveyance, eliminating the need for human workers to manually sort each object while maintaining adaptability to varying object characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical sorting by human workers is replaced with an automated system comprising machine vision for identification, programmable motion devices for object manipulation, and automated conveyance systems for delivery to bins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of collection bins are used to handle diverse objects, then object distribution capability is improved, but capital costs and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject distribution capabilityVSAvoidnumber of collection bins

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically assigns objects to bins based on real-time identification and routing logic, allowing a smaller number of bins to handle diverse object types through flexible, programmable destination assignment rather than requiring dedicated bins for each object type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Collection bins serve multiple functions and handle multiple object types through automated routing, rather than requiring specialized bins for each specific object category, thereby reducing the total number of bins needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If fixed or handheld barcode scanners are used for object identification, then code detection capability is maintained, but processing speed and automation level are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual or handheld barcode scanning is replaced with fixed machine vision systems that automatically detect and read codes on objects as they pass through the conveyance system, enabling continuous high-speed processing without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed scanner enables continuous code detection as objects move through the system, eliminating the intermittent nature of handheld scanning and maintaining constant identification capability throughout the processing workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Device complexity

If objects are processed in an inflexible sequence through fixed conveyance systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different processing requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidprocessing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance system incorporates programmable motion devices and controllable transfer mechanisms that can dynamically adjust object routing and processing sequences based on identification results and destination requirements, providing flexibility within a relatively simple system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11402831B2Systems and methods for processing objects, including automated mobile matrix bins

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system includes a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects received from an input conveyance system, an acquisition system for acquiring an object from the plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing bin, and the identified processing bin is associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location is provided as one of a plurality of processing bins, and a delivery system for bringing the identified processing bin toward the object, where the delivery system includes a carrier for carrying the identified processing bin toward the object.